Rock News

Celebrating 50 years of the Beatles

Fifty years ago, the Beatles arrived at JFK airport and changed music forever. Historians call the Beatles the most influential band of the century that shaped not only music, but an entire generation who mimicked everything from the Fab Four's hair to their clothing and attitude.

To celebrate 50 years of Beatlemania, iHeartRadio is playing all Beatles music on 24/7 Beatles Radio!

In New York City, a special marquee at the Ed Sullivan theater marks the anniversary of the Beatles first appearance there on Sunday February 9th, 1964. The performance made TV history with 700 screaming fans and 73-million people watching on TV.

The marquee, with the exact same wording that was posted for the show 50 years ago, will be on display through the weekend.

The first American radio station to air a Beatles song was iHeartRadio's own WWDC (DC101). On December 17, 1963, the station aired the future classic, "I Want To Hold Your Hand."

Grammy-winning producer Pharrell Williams will take the stage in celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." CBS's "The Beatles: The Night That Changed America - A Grammy Salute" was recorded last month, but will air Sunday night on CBS.

Amid the night of star-studded performances will be Pharrell Williams and Brad Paisley, who are teaming up for their unique rendition of "Here Comes the Sun." Other performers include Alicia Keys, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and Katy Perry.

The last two surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, will also take the stage to perform their hits "With a Little Help From My Friends" and "Hey Jude."